LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The defending Gulf South Conference champions are back. The University of West Alabama baseball team opens the 2026 season on the road this weekend, traveling to Columbus, Georgia, for a three-game nonconference series against Columbus State. First pitch is set for Friday, January 30, at 3 p.m., followed by Saturday's matchup at 1 p.m. and the series finale on Sunday at 12 p.m.
West Alabama enters the season looking to build on a memorable 2025 campaign that saw the Tigers finish 32-25 overall and 18-15 in GSC play. UWA closed the regular season on a 12-game winning streak, rebounded from an early setback in the GSC Tournament, and ultimately captured its first conference championship since 2015. The Tigers then advanced to the NCAA South Region Tournament, where both postseason losses came by just one run.
While UWA looks to start its title defense on a strong note, the challenge will be immediate. Columbus State has proven to be a tough opponent historically, as the Tigers went 1-2 against the Cougars last season and trail the all-time series 34-58.
Tigers to Watch
West Alabama returns a strong core of experience on both sides of the ball. On the mound, Baker Green anchors the pitching staff after making 16 appearances and nine starts last season, posting a 4.82 ERA across 52.1 innings. Beau Bryant and Laney Keeton also return after gaining valuable experience a year ago, while Ryan Ladner emerged as a reliable setup arm with a 2.57 ERA and 15 scoreless outings out of the bullpen. True freshman standout Nolan Phillips flashed elite potential before an injury cut his season short, holding opposing hitters to a .154 average and earning two GSC Freshman of the Week honors.
Offensively, Nick Wilson returns as an everyday presence at third base after starting all 55 games and hitting .298 with four home runs and 34 RBIs. Will Wood provides versatility and speed after batting .280 with a .427 on-base percentage, while Kyle Blevins Jr. makes his return following an injury after a productive junior college career. Wayne Wilkerson, Tanner Jones, Ryan Ladner, and Nolan Phillips round out a veteran group that helped power UWA's postseason run a season ago.
The Tigers also welcome an influx of impactful newcomers. Aaron Wallace headlines the class after being named the ACCC Division I Player of the Year at Gadsden State, while Rashad Robinson brings speed and experience after swiping 59 bases at the JUCO level. Blake Westry, Layth Holiday, Jack Hobson, Takorre Clowers, Hudson Walburn, Hayes Alford, Camden Lyke, Matthew Sheffield, and AJ Hansen add depth across the lineup and pitching staff, giving UWA one of its most balanced rosters in recent years.
About the Cougars
Columbus State enters the season after a 30-23 campaign in 2025, finishing 17-10 in Peach Belt Conference play and advancing to the PBC Tournament Championship Series. Head coach Greg Appleton begins the year just three wins shy of 1,000 career victories.
The Cougars return several key contributors, including junior outfielder Cole Eison, an All-Peach Belt selection who hit .320 with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs while playing flawless defense. Senior Cayden Evans led CSU with a .354 batting average and 74 hits last season, while senior reliever Tucker Starling was dominant out of the bullpen with a 1.52 ERA. Jackson Chizek adds veteran stability in the infield after starting 47 games a year ago.
Last season, the Cougars as a team posted a .288 batting average, hitting 49 home runs with a .379 OBS. On the pitching side, CSU had a 5.66 ERA in 463 innings pitched, allowing 515 hits and 326 runs. Also posted a .974 fielding percentage with 1,389 putouts.
Looking Ahead
The opening weekend provides an early test for the Tigers as they begin their quest to defend the 2025 GSC Championship. With a blend of proven returners and high-impact newcomers, West Alabama will look to set the tone for the season against a Columbus State squad that has consistently been one of the region's toughest opponents.
First pitch of the season is scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m. CST in Columbus, Georgia.
